Latourell Falls was the first stop during a biking/hiking tour of the Columbia River Valley in Oregon while celebrating our 15th anniversary. This was the beginning of a very memorable day of adventure with my best friend.

Latourell Falls, Historic Columbia River Highway, OR

When my husband and I returned from our weekend trip to Oregon, I noticed our latest issue of Backpacker magazine had a very familiar waterfall on the cover. There was Latourell Falls staring me in the face – we had just visited the cover image of my favorite magazine!

Latourell Falls on the cover of the May 2016 issue of Backpacker magazine

My husband and I spontaneously decided to head down to Portland, Oregon over the weekend to celebrate our 15th anniversary. We bought two round-trip Amtrak tickets, booked accommodations, and found a great day trip adventure with Pedal Bike Tours.

Amtrak at King Street Station, Seattle, WA

Pedal Bike Tours, Portland, OR

We chose the Columbia River Gorge Tour because of its’ combination of biking and hiking while exploring several waterfalls along the way. When we arrived at Pedal Bike Tours early Friday morning, we were excited to hear that no one else had signed up for the Columbia River Gorge Tour. Since it was just the two of us and our guide, Evan, we were able to enjoy a customized tour at our own pace. After a 45 minute drive from Portland, our tour began with views of the Columbia River Valley from the Portland Women’s Forum viewpoint.

My husband, Gary and I enjoying the view of the Columbia River Valley from the Portland Women’s Forum viewpoint , OR

From this point, we hopped on our bikes and headed down the Historic Columbia River Highway with instructions from our guide on where to go next. Evan was a great tour guide who added extra miles of biking and additional hikes to our tour while entertaining us with Oregon history throughout the day. Our next stop was the Vista House with more panoramic views of the valley below including our final biking destination.

Columbia River Valley view from Vista House, Oregon

With record breaking temperatures reaching 90°+, it was so nice knowing our next stop was our first waterfall. After a short distance of bike riding and hiking, it was so refreshing to feel the mist of Latourell Falls.

Latourell Falls, Historic Columbia River Highway, OR

Gary and I at Latourell Falls, Historic Columbia River Highway, OR

Gary exploring Latourell Falls, Historic Columbia River Highway, OR

Another short bike ride and hike brought us to Shepperd’s Dell State Park to view Shepperd’s Dell Falls. I loved exploring the very well maintained, paved trails in this area.

Shepperd’s Dell State Park, OR

Shepperd’s Dell Falls, Shepperd’s Dell State Park, OR

Shepperd’s Dell State Park, OR

Our next stop was the magical Bridal Veil Falls. As you hike along the trail, it is hidden behind a small slot canyon and a very large rock. Even though several other hikers were around, something about this waterfall felt very private and tranquil.

Bridal Veil Falls, Bridal Veil Falls State Park, OR

Bridal Veil Falls, Bridal Veil Falls State Park, OR

Bridal Veil Falls, Bridal Veil Falls State Park, OR

It was time to get back on our bikes and put some miles behind us. Once again we were riding along the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway twisting and turning our way through the valley. Our next stop was the very popular Multnomah Falls located just off the highway. Because we had already visited this location before, my husband and I chose to bypass it and head to our final destination.

Ponytail Falls was my favorite stop of the day! I enjoyed the short, vigorous hike up to a hike behind the waterfall. Hiking behind a waterfall was something I had only dreamed about up until this point.

Gary and I behind Ponytail Falls, Historic Columbia River Highway, OR

This was the perfect ending to another adventure with my best friend. With 15 years wonderful behind us, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.

During a recent visit to Southeast Texas, I took a day trip to visit the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. As a child I visited this spot often and always saw several alligators during each trip. I was so excited to share this experience with my nephew, but on this day we only spotted one alligator! All in all it was a beautiful, sunny day on the Gulf Coast with lots of wildlife viewing including rabbits and several species of birds.